[cgbg]

How would I differentiate between something that has some legitimate research behind it, and stuff from crazy people?

Great question.

My tip would be--read (or listen or view) everything, no matter how crazy you think it is. Read the crazy alien web sites and the crazy debunker web sites.

Trust no-one. Believe no-one, but keep reading.

Then read some more--and learn--and learn some more.

Rinse and repeat--until you die.

Then you will be wise...

Second tip--whenever someone in authority tells you something, your default view should be they are pathological liars trying to scam you.

Consider the exact opposite of what they are saying.

That will point you closer to the right direction.

[JockoManning]

Astute observations & exhortations.

[RoosterRedux]

whenever someone in authority tells you something, your default view should be they are pathological liars trying to scam you

I would suggest that the reason to doubt what those in authority tell you is because those in authority got and maintain their positions by espousing the "party line"...and that is often in diametric opposition to the truth.